Full Speed Ahead (AQMA Sequel)

17 - Moving Mountains

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'He's got some nerve'

'I can't believe he's going to use blackmail.'

'I'm kind of proud, to be honest.'

For the past four days my mind was racing, I couldn't tell if I was annoyed at Drew or if I wanted to laugh at him. It was genius that he would bribe me with something like this, I almost completely understood. Why should I expect him to make good with our mum when he's trying to do the same with our dad? I let out a sigh as I walked towards the cafeteria to meet up with the rest of my friends.

Every day was the same, I'd walk in, discreetly look at Jaxon's table and then eat in silence, occasionally dabbling in conversation with everyone. I was getting emotionally tired from this game I was playing with myself. Despite constantly trying to reassure myself, I knew I wanted to speak with him. I wanted to lay it all on the table.

I missed him.

That I could admit now.

This time however when I looked up, I saw them all laughing at something. Seeing Jaxon's laugh was always refreshing. There were two sides to his laugh, his normal chuckle when he found something funny and then there was the laugh that showcased his dimples, when he found something extremely funny. I loved seeing the dimples on his face, it made him look so carefree. It was my favourite smile. His eyes flickered towards me but I made no attempt to hide the fact that I was looking at him, his smile slowly died the longer he looked in my direction.

I shook my head at my own stupidity, excusing myself I got up and walked outside. I kept walking towards the secret garden that was only accessible to seniors. It seemed to be my lucky day because all the seniors wanted to sit inside today, leaving the garden to myself. As soon as I made my way through the gates, I closed my eyes and tilted my head back allowing the sun to soak into my skin for a few seconds. It wasn't hot but it wasn't cold either, with only a cool freeze whisking through. It was the perfect weather for me.

I looked around at all the picnic benches that laid around in no particular order. My eyes kept wandering until they landed on two benches that faced each other, with no table in between.

'Perfect.'

I made my way towards it, sitting down and instantly stretching my legs out on the opposite chair as I closed my eyes and tilting my head back, appreciating the silence for the first time this year. I used to always love the silence when I was back with my mum, mainly because they would constantly either be yelling or having a party of some sorts. So on the rare occasion that it was quiet in our house, I loved every minute of it. I try not to dwell too much on the past with my mother, because I know she's trying to make it right. It wouldn't be a fair shot if I kept rehashing out old shit.

"This seat taken?"

I kept my eyes closed for another second before opening them to spot Jaxon, who was already sitting next to my feet, facing me. He stretched his right arm over the bench before placing his left foot over his right knee, getting comfortable. He made it perfectly clear that he wasn't going anywhere, no matter what I said.

"By all means." I said as I extended my hand to point where he was already sitting. We sat there in beautiful silence, it was never awkward to sit in silence with Jaxon. He kept a close eye on me making my eyes wonder around, pretending like I gave a shit about the greenery surrounding.